Browser Extension for Automatic Coupon Code Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing e-commerce systems require manual effort from consumers to find and test electronic coupon codes, which is inefficient and does not facilitate seamless checkout processes.
Innovation Solution
A browser plug-in or background service that automatically detects the store's URL and populates the best electronic coupon codes into the checkout process, using a rules engine to determine the most effective codes based on user feedback and other factors, while also enabling anonymous tracking for cash back rewards without requiring a user account.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual searching and testing of electronic coupon codes is used, then consumers can find applicable codes, but it requires significant time and effort from consumers
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-collects and stores electronic coupon codes from multiple sources in a database before the consumer needs them. When a consumer visits a retailer's website, the system automatically retrieves and tests applicable codes from the pre-collected database, eliminating the need for consumers to manually search and test codes during checkout.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic code testing and application without requiring consumer intervention. The browser extension or background service autonomously intercepts checkout requests, tests multiple coupon codes against the retailer's system, and applies the best code automatically, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring manual consumer action.
2Extent of automation
If automated systems are implemented to provide coupon codes, then consumer convenience is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a browser extension or background service as an intermediary layer between the consumer's web browser and the retailer's website. This intermediary automatically manages the complex tasks of code retrieval, testing, and application without requiring the consumer to interact with complex systems, effectively hiding the complexity while providing automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed as a universal platform that aggregates coupon codes from multiple sources (retailer websites, third-party services, user submissions) and works across different retailers and e-commerce platforms. This multi-functional approach consolidates various coupon-related functions into a single system, managing complexity through standardization rather than creating separate solutions for each retailer.
3Reliability
If multiple coupon codes are tested to find the best combination, then maximum savings are achieved, but the checkout process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-ranks and prioritizes coupon codes based on historical data, success rates, and potential savings before the checkout process begins. During checkout, the system tests codes in a predetermined optimal sequence rather than randomly or in fixed alphabetical order, allowing the best combination to be identified more quickly while ensuring maximum savings are achieved.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a tiered testing approach where it first tests a limited set of high-probability codes that are most likely to provide savings. Only if these initial codes fail does the system proceed to test additional codes. This partial testing strategy ensures that in most cases the best discount is found quickly, while still maintaining the capability to achieve maximum savings when more codes are needed.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to a system, method, and computer program for providing coupons and cash back in electronic commerce. Specifically, electronic coupon code(s) are tested against various retailer websites to ascertain the best combination and automatically applied into a user's cart during electronic checkout. Various embodiments of the present invention also provide the user-less tracking of an affiliate purchase in order to apportion user cash back without first requiring the creation of a user account.